CELPIP Speaking Practice Test 4 — All 8 Tasks With Prompts & Sample Answers

Your friend is visiting Ottawa for the first time during Winterlude. Give them advice on how to make the most of their trip, including transportation, attractions, and clothing. You have 30 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak.

I would advise your friend to start their day early by taking the OC Transpo Routes 6 or 7 to Parliament Hill, as they offer frequent service. Winterlude is best enjoyed with proper winter clothing: a heavy coat, waterproof boots, and extra socks. The Rideau Canal skateway is a must, but they should rent skates from a kiosk to avoid carrying them. They should also visit the ice sculptures in Confederation Park and try a beavertail from a vendor. To avoid long lines, I suggest going to the snow slides at Jacques Cartier Park right when they open at 9 AM. They should check the OC Transpo website for any service changes. Finally, they should plan their route in advance to maximize fun and minimize waiting in the cold. Third, I would suggest taking advantage of the free walking tours organized by the Friends of the Central Experimental Farm, which provide historical context and help visitors appreciate the design and purpose of this beautiful green space.

Talk about a time you attended a meeting, workshop, or community event that changed your perspective on an issue. What was the event, and what did you learn?

Last spring, my neighbourhood association in Ottawa organized a workshop about urban tree planting. I went mainly because my next-door neighbour asked me to join her, and honestly, I expected it to be somewhat boring. The presenter was a forestry expert from the University of Guelph who explained how mature trees reduce air conditioning costs, absorb stormwater runoff, and even increase property values. She showed before-and-after photos of streets that had been transformed by tree planting programs. What struck me most was learning that our neighbourhood had lost nearly twenty percent of its tree canopy in the past decade due to development and disease. I had never really noticed. After the workshop, I volunteered to help with a tree-planting event and now I am part of the association's green committee. That evening completely changed how I see my own street — I now notice every tree. I learned that sometimes the most valuable experiences come from saying yes to something you did not expect to enjoy.

Describe a scene you witnessed at Parliament Hill during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Include details about what you saw, the atmosphere, and the sounds. You have 30 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak.

The scene on Parliament Hill during the Changing of the Guard is majestic. The guards, dressed in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, march in precise formation. The sun glints off their brass instruments as the band plays traditional tunes. Tourists gather around the wrought-iron fence, cameras clicking. The air smells of fresh grass, and there’s a sense of pride among onlookers. I can hear the rhythmic footsteps of the guards, the orders shouted by the sergeant, and the occasional child’s excited whisper. The Peace Tower looms overhead, providing a stunning backdrop. The entire event feels like a glimpse into Canadian history, and the atmosphere is both formal and celebratory.

Predict how OC Transpo will change in the next 10 years. Consider technology, environment, and ridership. You have 30 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak.

In the next 10 years, OC Transpo will likely become more electric and automated. The city has already introduced electric buses, and I predict that by 2034, the entire fleet will be electric, reducing emissions significantly. We might see trackless trams or light rail expansion to connect suburbs like Kanata and Orleans. Fare payments will be fully digital, with apps that integrate real-time data. Ridership may increase as the city grows, but the system will need to be more efficient to handle demand. I believe autonomous buses could be tested on dedicated routes, improving safety and efficiency. Overall, the service will be greener, smarter, and more convenient, but the transition will require investment.

Compare the value of physical library resources (books) versus digital resources (ebooks, databases). Which do you think is more important for a university library, and why? You have 60 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak.

Both physical and digital resources are valuable, but for a university library, digital resources are more important in today’s context. Digital databases and ebooks provide instant access to the latest research, which is crucial for students and faculty. They can be accessed from anywhere, making them ideal for remote learning. Physical books are still essential for deep reading and subjects where primary texts are only in print. However, the cost of maintaining a large physical collection is high, and many students prefer digital formats. I persuade that libraries should prioritize digital subscriptions and archives, while still curating key physical collections. This balance meets the needs of modern users while preserving tradition.

You are a tour guide. A visitor approaches you angrily because their Parliament Hill tour was canceled due to a security issue. They are disappointed and demand a refund. What do you say? You have 60 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak.

I understand your frustration, and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, security issues are out of our control, and the safety of visitors and staff is our top priority. I will immediately process a full refund for you and your group. Additionally, I want to make it right. I can offer you a complimentary voucher for a future tour, which can be used within the next six months. Also, I can give you a free self-guided walking tour map of Parliament Hill so you can still see the exterior and the beautiful winter scenery. If you have time tomorrow, I can personally reserve spots for you on the first tour of the day. I hope this helps. Please feel free to share any other concerns.

Do you think the government should invest more in public transit or roads? Express your opinion and support it with reasons. You have 30 seconds to prepare, then 90 seconds to speak.

In my opinion, the government should invest more in public transit than roads. Public transit is more sustainable environmentally, as it reduces individual car use and lowers emissions. It also promotes equity, providing affordable mobility for those who cannot drive. Improved transit can ease congestion, which benefits everyone. Ottawa has a growing population, and expanding the O-Train and bus network would alleviate pressure on roads. While roads are necessary for commerce and emergency services, expanding highway capacity often leads to more traffic. Investments in transit, such as electric buses and light rail, have long-term benefits. However, I acknowledge that maintenance of existing roads is necessary. A balanced approach is ideal, but new funding should tilt toward public transit to achieve climate goals and create more livable cities. I believe that investing in transit is an investment in our future.

Describe an unusual situation you experienced on public transit in Ottawa. What happened, and how did you handle it? You have 30 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak.

Last winter, I was on the OC Transpo bus when the driver suddenly announced a detour due to a water main break on Bank Street. The bus went through a residential area, and some passengers were confused. I stayed calm and used my phone to check the alternate route. Surprisingly, the detour took us along a scenic street with Christmas lights, which was beautiful. I helped an elderly woman by showing her and her bus stop wasn't too far. The driver was apologetic but kept a positive attitude. When we finally reached our destination, everyone was good-natured about the delay. It was unusual but turned into a pleasant memory. I think being flexible and helpful made the experience better for everyone.